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  • FG not making effort to address issues raised – NLC

    FG not making effort to address issues raised – NLC

    The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero has spoken out over the government’s refusal to budge on several issues.

    Ajaero who featured on  Television’s Politics Today shortly after  Monday’s deadlocked meeting with government officials noted that Federal government is yet to make concrete decisions concerning its demands.

    Among its demands are to address the consequences of petrol price hikes, review the minimum wage, provide a workable roadmap to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) alternative, fix the country’s refineries, and pay lecturers’ salary arrears.

    “They have not made any efforts on any issue,” Ajaero asserted.

    “Even the issue as simple as cash transfer or bringing buses on the road, nothing has happened to them. So, it’s a lack of willingness and we can’t muddle up all these issues.

    “Then you call a minimum wage as wage award. If anybody is looking at the issue of wage award as minimum wage, then there’s confusion within that class of people.”

    Citing a 2021 agreement on CNG vehicles reached with the then Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, the labour leader argued it was clear that a million vehicles could be converted within three months.

    The NLC president decried the Federal Government’s 2024 projection to deploy CNG buses for a more affordable mass transit system.

    “If anybody is telling you that until next year, nothing could be done, I’m telling you that the person is not telling us the truth,” he said.

    “What is so peculiar about next year when these processes will start? Is it that there are no CNG vehicles that can onto the road, or we can’t have some stations, even with IPMAN saying that their filling stations are available?”

  • NLC ends warning strike, urges members to prepare for indefinite action

    NLC ends warning strike, urges members to prepare for indefinite action

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday ended its two-day warning strike over unmet agreements by the federal government on the consequences of fuel subsidy removal, with a directive to all workers to resume work today.

    NLC national president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who announced the end of the strike in a press statement in Abuja, however warned that the warning strike was not the end of the struggle, but a precursor to a possible indefinite nationwide strike later in the month if the government fails to address its demands

    Ajaero also commended the NLC affiliate unions and state councils for their massive participation in the strike, adding that the message conveyed through the warning strike resonated loudly with the government.

    He said, “As we mark the end of the two-day nationwide warning strike today, at the stroke of midnight, we earnestly call upon you all to gracefully conclude the strike and return to work tomorrow in accordance with our initial agreement.

    “We would like to take this moment to express our profound appreciation for your unwavering determination and dedication, which played a pivotal role in the resounding success of this action. Your contributions during this warning strike exemplify your unwavering commitment to our shared cause”.

    The NLC urged its members to get set for an indefinite nationwide industrial action in the event where the government fails to meet the workers’ demands.

    Ajaero stated: “In the event that the government fails to provide the appropriate responses to our demands, we encourage you to maintain your steadfast resolve. The same passion and determination that fueled this warning strike will be crucial if we find ourselves compelled to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.

    “Congress is not unmindful of the actions of detractors and fifth columnists but in the face of them all, we remain undaunted and more committed to the defense of Nigerian workers and people at any given time. Our nation deserves better.”

  • NLC President rates first day of warning strike

    NLC President rates first day of warning strike

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended Nigerians for the massive support and efforts in ensuring that the first day warning strike called by the Congress was successful nationwide.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said this in a statement titled, “Our Two-Day Nationwide Warning Strike: Frist Day of Success”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    It would be recall that the NLC in a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NLC) said it would commence a two-day nationwide warning strike from Sept. 5 to Sept. 6.

    The NLC also threatened to embark on indefinite nationwide strike within 14 working days or 21 days from when the communique was issued.

    It also said this was until steps were taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced due to the removal of subsidy.

    According to Ajaero, this is to applaud all Nigerian workers through the actions of all our affiliates and State Councils.

    “This is for the massive support and efforts at ensuring that the first day of the nationwide warning strike took off with a resounding success across the nation.

    “You have all demonstrated that your words and decisions will always be backed by action.

    “This has resonated in every part of the country today and we are sure that the message has been sent to those who doubt our determination to push through with our objectives,”he said.

    He added that, we are glad to inform you that all of our objectives for the first day were fully met.

    He said this was due to the high level of compliance experienced as a result of all collective efforts around the federation.

    The NLC president therefore, commended all for their commitment towards ensuring that the reasons for the warning strike were fulfilled at the time.

    “We however urge you all to continue with the same zeal and determination which saw the huge success that was recorded today.

    “This is as we move to the second and final day of the nationwide strike to ensure a complete success of the entire exercise.

    “While thanking all Nigerian workers and indeed the masses for their understanding as we go through this trying time,”he said.

    He however, called for more efforts and urged all to join hands to ensure that all loopholes observed during the first day action were plugged.

    He added that, so that tomorrow’s action would be a total success.

    “It is our civic duty to ensure that we are governed effectively and that those in government remain accountable to the people at all times!

    “We are committed to that and with your continued support, our nation will surely become a better place for all of us,”he said.

  • Why NLC is embarking on nationwide strike from Sept 5

    Why NLC is embarking on nationwide strike from Sept 5

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will commence a two-day nationwide warning strike from Sept. 5 to 6,except the Federal Government addresses the excruciating suffering of the masses.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said this while addressing  newsmen at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the congress on Friday in Abuja.

    Ajaero while reading the communiqué jointly signed by Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the Congress, said the resolutions were reached after exhaustive deliberation.

    According to him, NEC in session resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today.

    “This is until steps are taken by the Government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.

    “To commence a two-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday from Sept.5 to 6  to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month .

    “To also demand that the State vacates the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    “To embark on a mass protest and rally in Imo within September in preparation for a major shutdown of the state.

    “This is to compel the State government to stop the abuse and violation of the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in the state, ’he said.

    He also added that to begin the shutdown of the operations of Air peace Airline, and other companies in the Aviation sector that were involved in serial violation of the rights of workers in the sector.

    The NLC president said this was to ensure freedom of Association and to collectively bargain.

    He called on communities around the nation to stop taking laws into their hands but report to the authorities for amicable resolution.

    He said that this was on any matter involving members of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs, and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) which is one of our affiliates.

    He urged the new FCT Minister, Mr Nyesome Wike  to desist from threatening poor masses with demolition of their properties, and focus more on making houses available to the people.

    “He is not a minister of demolition and should be prepared to meet Nigerian workers and citizens on the street if he carries out his insensitive utterances,” ‘he said.

    Ajaero said  that NEC had deeply analysed the prevailing national sentiment, taking into account the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting the citizens across all states of the federation.

    He said the council scrutinised the Federal Government’s failures to establish essential structures to address the widespread suffering in our nation.

    He also noted that it considered the government’s deliberate neglect and disregard for engaging with national stakeholders through the channels of social dialogue.

    “This is a commitment it had solemnly declared during the President’s inaugural address on May 29,”he said.

  • How IPPIS failed to remit N26.6bn for workers in 2 years

    How IPPIS failed to remit N26.6bn for workers in 2 years

    The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) says the Integrated Personal Payroll Information System (IPPIS) failed to remit N26.6 billion of workers’ contributory funds in two years.

    Mr Madu Hamman, Managing Director of FMBN, said this on Thursday in Abuja while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad hoc committee probing the non-remittance to the National Housing Fund (NHF) and Utilisation.

    According to him, from October to December 2022 there were 40 per cent unremitted payments to FMBN resulting from revenue drive by the Federal Government and a total of N11.630 billion was involved.

    “From January to December 2022, N11.587 billion was not remitted as backlog payments for MDAs from IPPIS, while N3. 356 billion was not remitted from April to July 2021 as outstanding failed payments for 2021 from IPPIS,” he said.

    Hamman explained that some NHF payments meant to be paid to FMBN as housing contributions had been wrongly made into the Federal Government Loan and Scholarships Board, adding that 14 MDAs were affected by the wrong payments.

    He said all contributors were eligible for a full refund of their contribution over the years including accrued interest of 2 per cent upon retirement.

    Others, he said, were by attainment of 60 years or inability to continue due to incapacitation or death, adding that FMBN had refunded N66.678 billion to 444,637 beneficiaries.

    Speaking on projects executed through various means, Hamman said, FMBN ensured it gave loans to register members of the association of developers.

    He said that FMBN also had the regular primary mortgage bank from interested individuals where it disbursed N139.6 billion to 24,332 beneficiaries.

    On the ministerial pilot scheme, he said the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing provided land for those on the scheme and it had spent N38 billion to build 5,443 units of housing.

    Reacting to the allegations, Mr Ekwem Dem, Deputy Director, IPPIS in the Office of the Accountant General said, ” On our own part, we are just hearing some of these allegations.”

    He said, for instance, the ‘no work no pay’ for members of ASUU remittances was still hanging, adding that there was a need for a reconciliation window, “so we can see the area of convergence”

    Rep. Dachung Bagos, the Chairman of the Committee, said it would go on oversight of some of the projects claimed to have been executed by FMBN and where they were located.

    “We are going to do some random checks to see the utilisation of this work, we are going to oversight all these projects

    ”We need to know why the Nigerian civil servants are not given what is due to them, even if we have to go with a tricycle; we will go.

    ”Some of us are engineers. We are going to receive some of these things, we must get value for our naira and Nigerians must get value for their money,” the chairman said.

    On Wednesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) threatened to pull out civil servants from the NHF contributory funds over the non-remittance of deductions made.

    President of NLC, Joe Ajaero made the threat while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Non-Remittance to the NHF and Utilisation of the Funds from 2011 till Date.

    According to Ajaero FBN had refused to send alerts of how much civil servants have contributed including their monthly deductions.

    He urged the lawmakers to take drastic steps to remove the encumbrances to affordable and quality housing to millions of Nigerians especially workers who make the most contributions to the NHF.

    This according to him is as
    identified in the memorandum and other memoranda submitted to the committee.

    He said that the immediate past Managing Director of FMBN Mr Ahmed Dangiwa who is now the Minister of Housing and Urban Development said he left behind N120 billion in the coffers of
    the bank.

  • Niger junta: NLC counsels ECOWAS on use of military force

    Niger junta: NLC counsels ECOWAS on use of military force

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has counselled the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the use of military force to remove the military junta in Niger Republic.

    The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, gave the advice in a statement signed by him on Sunday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that at the end of the second extraordinary summit of the Authority of ECOWAS (Committee of Heads of State/Governments) on Aug. 10 issued a terse statement to deploy military might to restore democracy in Niger.

    The statement had directed the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.

    It also said the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force is to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

    It also said this was in order to “underscore its continued commitment to restoring constitutional order through peaceful means”.

    According to Ajaero, this is a euphemism for war, immediate war on Niger Republic, our consistently most peaceful neighbour.

    “It will amount to stating the obvious that we at the Nigeria Labour Congress are averse to military rule.

    “Indeed the history of the struggle for democratic rule in Nigeria cannot be complete without mentioning the illustrious contribution of the Labour Movement.

    “Despite our unimpeachable credentials in the popular struggle against military rule, we would strongly counsel against the use of military force to remove the military junta in Niger Republic,” he said.

    He added that the disadvantages clearly outweigh the benefits, from putting in danger the lives of the deposed President Bazoum and his family to the destabilisation of the entire region.

    He said this include Northern Nigeria and loss of many lives in and out of the battle field.

    Ajaero said that equally of significance is the unintended possibility of turning Niger into a fertile territory for proxy wars.

    “Even after the war is over, the region must brace itself for raised acts of terrorism or insurgency.

    “This is just as it might signal the end of ECOWAS as we know it today given the scenario of 10 members fighting five,” he said.

    The NLC president also said suspicions were rife that the ECOWAS leadership was trying to pull out of the fire the nut for and on behalf of another or others.

    He added that while we cannot ascertain the veracity of these claims, ECOWAS must conduct itself in such a manner that its citizens and the world would believe it has a mind of its own.

    “Coupled with this, we at the Congress have reason to believe that ECOWAS in part is victim of its double standards or discriminatory policies.

    “As it was in some instances seen as condoning and even celebrating coups.

    “In the extant matter of Niger Republic, we equally do believe that ECOWAS did not exhaust the process of dialogue before beating war drums.

    “The missions to Niamey were seen as an afterthought,” he said.

    He noted that one of the consequences of weaponising electricity supply to Niger Republic was the right of proportionate responsorial action.

    He also that was by way of Niger Republic damming the Niger River with unimaginable effects on our echo system.

    “Beyond all this, time has come for us to ask ourselves if we have the economic strength to prosecute this war.

    “Even seasoned Generals do admit that we can often predict the beginning of wars but can seldom tell how they end.

    “As we stated at the beginning of this statement, we are advocates of democracy and will do all that is necessary to promote and preserve it.

    “However, what will preserve democracy in our territories will not be the threat or use of military force against sovereign nations but the observance of the core values and rules of democracy,” he said.

    Ajaero added that this is up to our Presidents or political leaders to do the needful.

    “It is in consideration of these that we join other organisations and respected voices in saying ‘No to War’”, he said.

  • Petrol subsidy: Organised labour wants FG, Senate to lead negotiations

    Petrol subsidy: Organised labour wants FG, Senate to lead negotiations

    Organised Labour on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to lead negotiations on the petroleum subsidy removal to cushion its effects on  workers and other Nigerians.

    The National President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, stated this at a meeting between the leadership of the organised labour and the senate leadership led by the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio.

    Ajaero said that the Wage Review Committee was yet to sit two months after the removal of the subsidy.

    Ajaero said, “Part of our challenge is the issue of the committee put in place. The committee seems not to be capable. As labour, we have done negotiations with previous administrations.

    “At no time had the Chief of Staff to the President, who is very busy, called to negotiate or lead negotiations and that has delayed the issues.

    “Even since our protest, another meeting has not reconvened, although the President promised that he will restructure the mechanism of engagement with government for issues to be treated fast.

    “We had also agreed on wage award, and up till this moment, the committee on wage award is yet to sit.”

    The NLC president lamented the plight of Nigerians as a result of removal without putting certain things on ground to ameliorate the effects on the masses.

    He said that while labour leaders were still deliberating on N537 per litre of fuel and court had ruled for status quo to remain, surprisingly the government decided to increase the fuel to N620 per litre.

    On the 800 million U.S. dollars loan being sought for by the Federal Government, the NLC president urged the government not to use the same template of disbursement by the previous government.

    “Nothing is yet to happen on the issue of 800million projected to be borrowed, we have not perfected the list of the people who will benefit from it.

    “We should not follow the record that was used in 2019 because we have our doubts on that record and no indices have been put forward to dictate those that are termed poor,” he said.

    Responding, Akpabio thanked the organised labour for their patience.

    He told them that although the president had saved N1 trillion as a result of the removal, adding that he inherited a broke country with debt over N30 trillion.

    “But be rest assured that effect of fuel subsidy removal being felt by workers and in fact Nigerians would be ameliorated very soon by the federal government,” he said.

  • NLC condemns Abia Govt.’s interference in NURTW leadership tussle

    NLC condemns Abia Govt.’s interference in NURTW leadership tussle

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has condemned Abia State Government’s interference with the leadership structure of the State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, made the condemnation in a letter addressed to Gov. Alex Otti, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Ajaero said the Congress was alarmed at a letter written to the NURTW, it’s affiliate on June 20, by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu.

    He noted that in the said letter, the NURTW President was advised by the Secretary to the State Government to consider some persons for various positions in the state council.

    The NLC president claimed that those the government listed for positions included Mr Chukwuma Anazodo as Chairman, Mr Chika Arthur as Deputy Chairman, MrTochi Ephraim. Treasurer and Mr Azubuike Victor as Financial Secretary.

    Ajaero further listed others as; Anyanwu Ogaraku as organising secretary, Ogbuagu Ukadike, member, Eze Okwulehie, trustee, Alozia Onuoha, member, Nwankudu Onyedikachi, member and Chimauche Okorie as member.

    “Our first reaction to the letter when it was reported to us by the union was that it was a phony.

    “We could not imagine that a government, elected under the banner of Labour Party, could have written such a letter,” he said.

    Ajaero said Article 3 of Convention 87 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) states that (3.1) Workers’ and employers’ organisations shall have the right to draw up their constitutions and rules.

    He said the article also stated that they were to elect their representatives in full freedom, to organise their administration and activities and to formulate their programmes.

    The NLC president said it also stated that the public authorities shall refrain from any interference which would restrict this right or impede the lawful exercise thereof.

    “It is therefore important to point out to Your Excellency (Otiti) that ILO Convention 87 is a fundamental convention which is globally considered sacred and inviolable.

    He added that the letter by the Abia State Government in proposing to take over the leadership of the Abia State Council of the NURTW is rash, ill informed and illegal.

    “We demand that the government should denounce and immediately withdraw the SSG’s letter.

    “A guarantee by the Abia State Government to refrain from interfering in the activities of trade unions in the state is also imperative.

    “We urge the use of social dialogue to address any grievance the state government may have against the current leadership of the NURTW in Abia State.

    “We look forward to your immediate response, please accept the renewed assurances of our highest esteem,” Ajaero said.

     

  • NLC accuses Tinubu for plunging Nigerians into more hardship

    NLC accuses Tinubu for plunging Nigerians into more hardship

    Following the proposed N8,000 monthly cash palliative for the poorest Nigerian households, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of plunging Nigerians into more hardship with his economic policies that “reward” the rich since he assumed office.

    Recall that Tinubu, in a letter addressed to the House of Representatives, sought $800 million in loans to provide N8,000 (approximately $10) per home registered in the federal government’s National Social Register (NSR) as palliatives for fuel subsidy removal.

    NLC while reacting to the development in a statement on Tuesday signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, described the proposed N8,000 palliative as an insult and mockery to Nigerians.

    The statement reads: “N8,000 to each of the so-called 12 million poorest Nigerian households for a period of six months insults our collective intelligence and makes a mockery of our patience and abiding faith in social dialogue, which the government may have alluded to albeit pretentiously.

    “It is unconscionable that a government that has foisted so much hardship on the people within nearly two months of coming into office will make a proposal that clearly rewards the rich in public office to the detriment of the poor.

    “What this means all this while is that the government is seeking ways of robbing the very poor Nigerians so that the rich can become richer,” stated the NLC chair.”

  • NLC opposes planned 40% electricity tariff increment

    NLC opposes planned 40% electricity tariff increment

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has kicked against the alleged plan to increase electricity tariffs by 40 per cent as from  July 1, 2023.

    This was made known by the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said “The plan to increase electricity tariff by 40 per cent by July 1 is both insensitive and callous and reflects an organised indifference to the well-being of consumers, especially, the poor ones.”

    He said further: “The issue of capacity to pay and quality of service delivery are not only germane but superior to any rationalisation by market logic. The service providers, in spite of sundry support, have not been able to meet the threshold of 5000 megawatts.”